"Based on extensive research, the commission believes that theMetrodome is far from obsolete and can serve its tenants and thepublic well for many years to come," says Kathryn Roberts, chair ofthe MSFC. She argues that a renovated Metrodome would substantiallyincrease revenue streams for the Minnesota Vikings and Universityof Minnesota, whose Minnesota Gophers football teams plays in thedome, through clubs and other premium seating opportunities,special sponsorship areas, increased advertising, and enhancedsuites. The renovation would take three years but would notrelocate Vikings or Gopher football games (the Minnesota Twins andGopher baseball and softball teams would play elsewhere,however).

But the Minnesota Vikings insist that it's not possible to meettheir needs by remodeling the Metrodome, and are promoting plans tohave a new stadium built, possibly in conjunction with theMinnesota Gophers. Vikings executives said that the team studiedthe possibility of renovating the Metrodome for more than a year,and determined that with fixed walls and a fixed ceiling, there isnot much that can be done. The Vikings argue that they have ruledout a renovated Metrodome due to costs, disruption, andlower-than-desired capability of producing revenues for theteam.

The MSFC, which manages the Metrodome, argues that it has aunique role in the stadium discussion because it has been chargedby the state legislature to manage stadium assets in Minnesota andhas the responsibility to balance the public interest with themultitude of private interests. The commission proposes to increaseseating capacity from 64,121 to 69,000, expand concourses,concession areas and restrooms, add club facilities with a separateconcourse with 8,900 seats and increase luxury suites from 115 to155. Renovation could begin in early 2002, the commission says.